Japanese Cuisine Lecture and Demonstration Event at ASEAN Secretariat, Jakarta
2025/2/14
On February 14, the Mission of Japan to ASEAN hosted the 6th Japanese Food Lecture and Demonstration Event at the ASEAN Secretariat in Jakarta. The purpose of this event was to foster an understanding of Japanese food culture through "Osechi-ryori." Prior to the main event, a pre-event was held on January 21 at Okuzono Japanese Dining in Jakarta, primarily for local media.
At the event, Chef Shimada and other staff from Okuzono Japanese Dining in Jakarta explained the significance of Osechi-ryori and its ingredients, such as their associations with good luck, health, and prosperity. After the explanation, several Osechi meals were served to the participants. In addition, a panel display featuring information about New Year and celebratory meals from various ASEAN countries was set up, and tasting samples from some of these countries were also served to the participants. This allowed for a deeper exchange of food culture, not only related to Osechi-ryori but also between Japan and ASEAN countries.
In addition, tea from Shizuoka Prefecture was served, and with the cooperation of Japanese companies, keychains featuring Japanese food miniatures were distributed at the Gacha Gacha (toy capsule) experience corner, allowing participants to engage with and experience Japanese food and culture.
Overview of the Osechi dishes served on the day (Panel 1) (Panel 2)
The event was attended by a number of high-level participants, including Ambassador Gerard Ho, Permanent Representative of Singapore and ASEAN Country Coordinator for Japan; Ambassador Heng Sarith, Permanent Representative of Cambodia; Ambassador Derry Aman, Permanent Representative of Indonesia; Ambassador Bovonethat Douangchak, Permanent Representative of Lao PDR; Ambassador Sarah Al Bakri Devadason, Permanent Representative of Malaysia; Ambassador Natércia Coelho da Silva, Representative of Timor-Leste which is an observer of ASEAN; Ambassador Sujiro Seam, EU Ambassador to the ASEAN Mission; and Ambassador Sarah Tiffin, UK Ambassador to the ASEAN Mission. Also, Deputy Secretary-General Nararya Soeprapto from the ASEAN Secretariat was present. Ms. Melody, the Japan-ASEAN Goodwill Ambassador for Food and Agriculture, participated as well and helped to boost the event. Furthermore, public relations activities were conducted to promote earthquake recovery efforts at Ishikawa Prefecture, an area impacted by the Noto Peninsula Earthquake, as well as to raise awareness for Osaka Expo 2025.
The following media covered the event.
Jakarta Shimbun
NNA Indonesia
NHK Toyama Broadcasting Station (part of the pre-event (around 5:40))
Liputan 6
Kompas
ANTARA News
MetroTV
Liputan Indonesia
Makansedap
Orbit Indonesia.com
Planet Merdeka
RRI
Starpro
ASEAN secretariat website
https://asean.org/japan-showcases-osechi-ryori-at-6th-asean-food-lecture-and-demonstration/
Video post of the pre-event
Video post of the main event at ASEAN Secretariat
Pre-event
At the event, Chef Shimada and other staff from Okuzono Japanese Dining in Jakarta explained the significance of Osechi-ryori and its ingredients, such as their associations with good luck, health, and prosperity. After the explanation, several Osechi meals were served to the participants. In addition, a panel display featuring information about New Year and celebratory meals from various ASEAN countries was set up, and tasting samples from some of these countries were also served to the participants. This allowed for a deeper exchange of food culture, not only related to Osechi-ryori but also between Japan and ASEAN countries.
In addition, tea from Shizuoka Prefecture was served, and with the cooperation of Japanese companies, keychains featuring Japanese food miniatures were distributed at the Gacha Gacha (toy capsule) experience corner, allowing participants to engage with and experience Japanese food and culture.
Overview of the Osechi dishes served on the day (Panel 1) (Panel 2)
The event was attended by a number of high-level participants, including Ambassador Gerard Ho, Permanent Representative of Singapore and ASEAN Country Coordinator for Japan; Ambassador Heng Sarith, Permanent Representative of Cambodia; Ambassador Derry Aman, Permanent Representative of Indonesia; Ambassador Bovonethat Douangchak, Permanent Representative of Lao PDR; Ambassador Sarah Al Bakri Devadason, Permanent Representative of Malaysia; Ambassador Natércia Coelho da Silva, Representative of Timor-Leste which is an observer of ASEAN; Ambassador Sujiro Seam, EU Ambassador to the ASEAN Mission; and Ambassador Sarah Tiffin, UK Ambassador to the ASEAN Mission. Also, Deputy Secretary-General Nararya Soeprapto from the ASEAN Secretariat was present. Ms. Melody, the Japan-ASEAN Goodwill Ambassador for Food and Agriculture, participated as well and helped to boost the event. Furthermore, public relations activities were conducted to promote earthquake recovery efforts at Ishikawa Prefecture, an area impacted by the Noto Peninsula Earthquake, as well as to raise awareness for Osaka Expo 2025.
The following media covered the event.
Jakarta Shimbun
NNA Indonesia
NHK Toyama Broadcasting Station (part of the pre-event (around 5:40))
Liputan 6
Kompas
ANTARA News
MetroTV
Liputan Indonesia
Makansedap
Orbit Indonesia.com
Planet Merdeka
RRI
Starpro
ASEAN secretariat website
https://asean.org/japan-showcases-osechi-ryori-at-6th-asean-food-lecture-and-demonstration/
Video post of the pre-event
Video post of the main event at ASEAN Secretariat
Pre-event